In his tenth year in office, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi has been appointed by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to Chair the Assembly Standing Committee on Social Services. Formerly led by Assemblywoman Michele Titus, this committee reviews and addresses key social services legislation before the Assembly, including financial, medical and other support assistance for indigent households throughout New York State. The committee is also accountable for providing essential oversight responsibilities for programs administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and analyzes the state’s multi-billion dollar funding allotment for social services each fiscal year.

Since his appointment, Assemblyman Hevesi has introduced two bills that seek to assist individuals on the verge of homelessness to remain sheltered in their community. A.05247 would increase the permitted length of stay at shelters targeted specifically at Runaway Homeless Youth (RHY) from 60 to 90 days. By increasing the length of available stay, this bill aims to reduce RHY to the susceptibility of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and violence. A.04609 would allow for an increase in rental subsidies from $300/month to $600/month for families with a lack of adequate housing. This will allow eligible individuals to remain in their homes, therefore averting them from entering the shelter system.

“I am honored to have been named Chair of the Assembly Social Services Committee,” Assemblyman Hevesi said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in addressing the needs of families and children facing difficulties in New York.”